As a result of the phenomenal increase in the death and devastation caused by this preventable social disease, it has become necessary to plead for the assistance of the African American faith leadership. The necessity for African American faith leaders to mobilize congregations on a national scale and in the local community to fight HIV/AIDS is clear.
African American Faith leadership, (e.g. Ministers, Pastors, Bishops and Preachers) are in natural roles and inherently have responsibilities as leaders to recognize the carnage HIV/AIDS brings. Entrusted in these positions by faith-filled believers the clergy can play a key role in facilitating HIV/AIDS awareness change in the African American community. Similarly the African American clergy must promote social behavioral change by actively becoming involved in HIV/AIDS prevention education for the sakes of our children and generations to come. Walking in love, guided by faith and maintaining a heart for advocacy can forge the frontiers and restrain the stigma and silence of this epidemic.
Successful clergy instruments of change:
¨ Exhibit compassion and work closely with HIV+ people, equipping themselves with up to date epidemic information. Network with ministries and community based organizations involved in HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
¨ Provide both financial and manpower support and are vocal about the twin S’s and discrimination faced by persons with HIV/AIDS. Assist in safeguarding the rights of the infected and affected.
¨ Facilitate HIV/AIDS panel presentations that spotlight vulnerable unsuspecting women and high-risk communities to obtain needed prevention services as well as include HIV/AIDS in church communityservice projects.
¨ Present Sunday morning sermons that bring to light theology in light of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Utilize culturally, gender and age appropriate education programs geared towards teens to inform and educate about HIV/AIDS transmission/infection and the need to protect themselves.
By, Catherine Wyatt-Morley, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Women On Maintaining Education and Nutrition, An African American woman and mother living with AIDS for 13 years
